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History of Halloween Trivia Quiz

Halloween has always been one of my very favorite holidays. Enjoy this quiz about one of the sweetest holidays of the year.

A multiple-choice quiz by dcpddc478. Estimated time: 4 mins.

Author
dcpddc478

Time
4 mins

Type
Multiple Choice

Quiz #
342,248

Updated
Dec 03 21

# Qns
10

Difficulty
Average

Avg Score
7 / 10

Plays
2983

Awards
Top 35% Quiz

One at a Time - Single Page - Timed Game

Question 1 of 10

1. The familiar Jack o' Lanterns are thought to have originated in which country? Hint

Ireland

Egypt

Spain

United States

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Question 2 of 10

2. What is the meaning of the word "hallow" in relation to this holiday? Hint

Saint

Candy

Witch

Winter

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Question 3 of 10

3. A popular Halloween candy in the USA, what was the first penny candy to be individually wrapped for sale? Hint

Tootsie Rolls

Peppermint sticks

Hershey Kisses

Bit-O-Honey

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Question 4 of 10

4. The ancient Celts believed that evil spirits were roving the countryside on Halloween night. What did they do in an attempt to protect themselves? Hint

They burned candy a fruit in a bonfire

They bobbed for apples

They wore masks and costumes

They went door to door giving their neighbors treats

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Question 5 of 10

5. All of these celebrities were born on Halloween except one; can you tell me which one does not belong? Hint

River Phoenix

John Candy

Michael Landon

Dan Rather

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Question 6 of 10

6. There is an old belief that it is good luck to see which of the following on Halloween? Hint

Black Cat

Spider

Pumpkin

Bat

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Question 7 of 10

7. The "Monster Mash", often played around the Halloween holiday, was a 1962 novelty song by which of the following groups? Hint

David "Doctor" Livingstone and the Tomb-Raiders

"Sir" Jack O'Lantern and the Pumpkin Smashers

"Lord" Paul Bearer and the Grave-Diggers

Bobby "Boris" Pickett and the Crypt-Kickers

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Question 8 of 10

8. What was the point of the old Scottish Halloween tradition involving a young woman peeling an apple in one long strip and then throwing it over her shoulder? Hint

It would protect you from the plague

It would protect you against miscarriage

The peel was believed to land in the shape of the first letter of the future spouse

It would land in the shape of the number of children she would have

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Question 9 of 10

9. If you are afraid of Halloween, it might be said that you suffer from which of the following? Hint

Samhainophobia

Chemophobia

Pumpkinophobia

Aquaphobia

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Question 10 of 10

10. There are pumpkins that are blue instead of orange.

True

False

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Quiz Answer Key and Fun Facts

1. The familiar Jack o' Lanterns are thought to have originated in which country?

Answer: Ireland

Jack o' Lanterns originated in Ireland where it was common to place candles in hollowed-out turnips. This was done around the Samhain holiday in an attempt to keep away spirits and ghosts.

2. What is the meaning of the word "hallow" in relation to this holiday?

Answer: Saint

Hallow means saint. The Catholic holiday of All Saints Day falls on November 1st and has become interwoven with other European holidays involving the coming of winter, the harvest season and the celebration of the dead to become the holiday that we know today.

3. A popular Halloween candy in the USA, what was the first penny candy to be individually wrapped for sale?

Answer: Tootsie Rolls

Tootsie Rolls can be found in almost any trick-or-treaters basket of candy and was the first penny candy to be individually wrapped. First produced in 1896, this inexpensive chocolate chewy candy was immensely popular and was even part of American soldiers' field rations during World War II.

4. The ancient Celts believed that evil spirits were roving the countryside on Halloween night. What did they do in an attempt to protect themselves?

Answer: They wore masks and costumes

The ancient Celts would wear costumes with masks so that these evil spirits would not recognise them as humans. The variety of costumes and masks were as varied as those of today.

5. All of these celebrities were born on Halloween except one; can you tell me which one does not belong?

Answer: River Phoenix

All of these men were born on October 31, except for River Phoenix. Instead, on Halloween of 1993 this 23 year old actor died of an alleged drug overdose.

6. There is an old belief that it is good luck to see which of the following on Halloween?

Answer: Spider

At one time, it was believed that it was good luck to see a spider on Halloween. It indicated that the spirit of a loved one was guarding you from evil spirits.

7. The "Monster Mash", often played around the Halloween holiday, was a 1962 novelty song by which of the following groups?

Answer: Bobby "Boris" Pickett and the Crypt-Kickers

In 1962 Bobby "Boris" Pickett and the Crypt-Kickers recorded this holiday favorite. Pickett imitates horror movie icon Boris Karloff throughout the song. The song is a narration by a mad scientist who creates a monster that, late one night, gets up and begins dancing. Numerous other musicians have recorded their own versions of the song including the Beach Boys, The Misfits, and the appropriately named musical group "Smashing Pumpkins".

8. What was the point of the old Scottish Halloween tradition involving a young woman peeling an apple in one long strip and then throwing it over her shoulder?

Answer: The peel was believed to land in the shape of the first letter of the future spouse

A young woman would throw an unbroken apple peel over her shoulder, believing that her futures spouse's first initial would appear. This was at a time when a good marriage was what most women aspired to. There was also another form of divination used for the same purpose. Northern European women were told that if they sat in a dark room Halloween night and looked in a mirror the face of her future husband would appear.

There were many variations of divination associated with Halloween by many different cultures.

9. If you are afraid of Halloween, it might be said that you suffer from which of the following?

Answer: Samhainophobia

Samhainophobia is the fear of Halloween. It derives its name from the Irish festival of Samhain which celebrated the Celtic New Year as well as the Catholic All Saints' Day, and the Gaelic Festival of the Dead.

10. There are pumpkins that are blue instead of orange.

Answer: True

You can make some really neat jack o' lanterns by using pumpkins that are naturally blue in color. They also come in a green variety and a white variety. This can make for a rainbow effect for your next Halloween!

Source: Author dcpddc478

This quiz was reviewed by FunTrivia editor stedman before going online.
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